Tasting notes; Wines from Piedmont, Jan. 5, 2019

2017 Elvio Tintero Moscato d’Asti ‘Sorì Gramella’

Regular Price $17.99

Sale price $13.99

I think the wine ‘experts’ don’t really like wine. Otherwise, they would give this wine about a zillion points (whatever that means). Oh, right, sorry, I forgot, we’re not allowed to like sweet wines unless they are red, from Napa and expensive. Or called Apothic or something. Anyway, this wine is delicious, light and refreshing, sweet yet crisp, perfect for brunch, lunch, early, late…whenever you want to drink something that just tastes good.

2017 La Colombera ‘Bricco Bartolomeo’ Cortese

Colli Tortonesi

Regular Price $17.99

Sale price $13.99

This wine comes from the far east of Piedmont, abutting the more well known Gavi DOCG. Likewise made of 100% Cortese, this wine is bold and full with nutty and stone fruit aromas mingling with leafy and stoney minerality. Persistent acidity finishes this wine, which is yet another great winter white.

2017 Nino Costa Barbera d’Alba ‘Bardot’

Regular Price $22.99

Sale price $17.99

I like to think of Barbera as the farmer’s wine of Piedmont. It’s an everyday sort of wine; more earthy than fruity, but fresh and accessible with interesting savory notes. Light, but not lacking in structure, this is the wine to sip after a day in the fields.

2017 G.B. Burlotto Dolcetto d’Alba

Regular Price $24.99

Sale price $19.99

Founded in the mid-1800s by Giovan Battista Burlotto (called “il Commendatore” by friends and family), the estate is now run by great-great-grandson Fabio Alessandria who has not only revitalized the 15 hectare estate, but has become famous as an artisanal, traditionalist winemaker in his own right. Dolcetto, of course, is among the less renowned grapes of Piedmont, but, like this one, is generous and easy to like. Deep dark berry flavors dominate with hints of black pepper and herbs.

2017 G.B. Burlotto Langhe Nebbiolo

Regular Price $31.99

Sale price $25.99

This is a fresh and fragrant Nebbiolo crafted to be enjoyed sooner, rather than later. It’s got all the classic aromas and flavors (dark cherry, roses, tar, earth, leather) as well as some grippy tannins, but it dances lightly across your palate rather than overwhelms.

2013 Damilano Barolo ‘Lecinquevigne’

Regular Price $54.99

Sale price $43.99

Tannic and structured, this is what Barolo is supposed to drink like, and illustrates why patience is often the best thing to bring to the table. It’s both intensely floral and flavored; with deep, dark, tart cherries along side of earthy and savory notes. Now 5 years old, it just coming into its own and will likely continue to improve for another 5 years or more.